“It was a true privilege to be involved with helping Colorado veterans, along with
all the players and spectators, in such a great setting,” said “Pickleball Ken” Marquardt.
Pickleball Ken was instrumental in creating the tournament and establishing an active,
generous pickleball-playing community in northwest Denver.

Besides raising money to help Colorado veterans, the event was a wonderful opportunity
to meet these heroes face to face, hear their inspiring stories, and learn how much
participants’ support is needed and appreciated. Beyond the tournament, support can
be something ongoing and everyday – like thanking a vet for his or her service, said
retired US Army General Joe Boyington in remarks to the crowd on Saturday.

Many community members expressed their thanks in yet another way, supporting the
event by purchasing a flag to honor all heroes, or in memory of an individual veteran.
These flags added a blanket of color in an open area just east of the courts.

The tournament proceeds will help ease the challenges of Colorado veterans with traumatic
brain injuries as they make their transition into civilian life. In Colorado alone,
more than 7,200 veterans will return from conflict with a TBI. Traumatic brain injury
is a serious, yet invisible injury. Operation TBI Freedom’s program tailors a unique
plan for each client that promotes optimum independence, productivity and successful
reintegration into civilian life.

“For those who wanted to make a difference in the lives of a Colorado veteran, and
those who love the game of pickleball, this event was a perfect opportunity to do
either or both,” said Mike Miles, executive director of Apex PRD.

To learn more about Operation TBI Freedom, visit rmhumanservices.org/program/operation-tbi-freedom.
For information on pickleball at Apex Park and Recreation District, visit apexprd.org.

Photo Albums

November 5, 2015, we presented a check for $43,861.00 to Colorado Veterans with Traumatic
Brain injuries. Thanks to all of you for supporting and making the Pickleball for
Heroes Tournament so special!